Taiwan Elects Lai Ching-te as President Amid Potential for Increased Tensions with China

Despite losing majority in parliament, Lai's Democratic Progressive Party secures third consecutive term, promising not to declare independence as China vows to continue unification efforts.

Lai Ching-te has been elected as the new president of Taiwan, marking the third consecutive term for the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP), which advocates for Taiwan's separate, democratic identity.
Despite China's warnings against electing Lai, Taiwan's voters chose him, potentially leading to increased tensions between Taiwan and China.
Lai's party has lost its majority in Taiwan's parliament, the Legislative Yuan, which could lead to difficulties in reaching consensus on contentious issues such as defense spending and strategy.
China has responded to the election by claiming that the DPP's victory does not represent mainstream public opinion in Taiwan and has vowed to continue working with relevant parties within Taiwan to promote national unification.
Despite Lai's past outspoken advocacy for independence, he has promised not to declare independence during his campaign, stating that Taiwan is already effectively independent.